Lutie Stearns
American librarian
Lutie Eugenia Stearns (September 13, 1866 – December 25, 1943) was an American teacher, librarian, author, speaker and political activist, known to some as "the Johnny Appleseed of books" for her innovative traveling library projects for the Wisconsin Free Library Commission, and is a member of the Library Hall of Fame list created in 1951.
Early life
Stearns was born in Stoughton, Massachusetts on September 13, 1866. Naturally left-handed, she was challenged in school to become right-handed; these frustrations are believed to be responsible for her stutter, which stayed with her permanently. In 1871, her family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She attended Milwaukee State Normal School and graduated 1886. In the 1886 she began working as a teacher Milwaukee Public Schools. The way she collected the books caught Minnie M. Oakley's attention and secured her a library position when Minnie M. Oakley died.
Career
Librarianship
From 1886 to 1888, Stearns worked in the Milwaukee Public Library system. She started in the fall of 1886. She realized a disparity in understanding between German and American students with expressions and cultural items.
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